Regulation
MoneyGram Says It ‘Has Suspended Trading on Ripple’s Platform’
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 22 Feb 2021
On Monday (February 22), MoneyGram International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGI), made an important announcement regarding its partnership with Ripple Labs. Californian FinTech company Ripple announced on 17 June 2019 that it entered into a strategic partnership with MoneyGram, one of the world’s largest money transfer companies. Here is how Ripple’s blog post explained the deal: “Through this partnership, which will […]
Former SEC Chair Mary Jo White on SEC’s XRP Lawsuit: ‘Dead Wrong Legally and Factually’
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 21 Feb 2021
In a recent interview, Mary Jo White, a former Chair of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York talked about the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs. Ms. White is currently a litigation partner in the New York office of Debevoise & Plimpton, and […]
Former SEC Exec: There Is ‘A Good Chance’ SEC Loses Lawsuit Against Ripple Over XRP
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 5 Feb 2021
In a recent interview, Joseph A. Hall, a former executive at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), explained why “there’s a good chance” his former employer loses its lawsuit against Ripple Labs. Hall has been partner in U.S. law firm Davis Polk since September 2005. Before that, between October 2003 and June 2005, he was […]
Ripple Responds to SEC Lawsuit By Questioning Ethereum’s Legitimacy
- Michael Lavere
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- 1 Feb 2021
Blockchain payments firm Ripple responded to allegations by the SEC regarding the illegal sale of XRP, inquiring why ethereum did not constitute a breach in securities law.
Novogratz: SEC ‘Backwards’ on Bitcoin ETF, New Chairman More ‘Attuned’
- Michael Lavere
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- 30 Jan 2021
Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz said the SEC has been historically backwards on crypto regulation, which has hurt retail investors.
Janet Yellen Writes: It’s ‘Important We Consider the Benefits of Cryptocurrencies’
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 22 Jan 2021
Former Federal Reserve Chair Dr. Janet Yellen, the person widely expected to be the next U.S. Treasury Secretary, acknowledged the benefits of cryptoassets in her written response to one of the questions from Tuesday’s U.S. Senate confirmation hearing. Yellen “served as the Chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018, and as Vice Chair from 2010 to […]
Fidelity Digital Assets: What Crypto Regulations to Expect Under Biden Administration
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 21 Jan 2021
On Thursday (January 21), Tom Jessop, President of Fidelity Digital Assets, talked during an interview about potentially upcoming regulations that the crypto community could expect to see under the Biden administration. On 15 October 2018, Boston-headquartered American multinational financial services company Fidelity Investments announced via a press release the launch of a new company, Fidelity Digital Asset Services, […]
Bitcoin Whale Moves $500 Million Following BTC Price Surge to $40,000
- Michael Lavere
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- 11 Jan 2021
A bitcoin whale transferred 12,598 BTC, worth roughly $500 million, in three anonymous transactions as the coin’s price surged above $40k.
Ripple CEO Answers Some Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. SEC’s Lawsuit
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 8 Jan 2021
On Thursday (January 7), Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, answered five of the most frequently asked questions about the action filed last month by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Ripple, himself, and Chris Larsen. As every XRP HODLer must know by know, on 22 December 2020, one day before former SEC Chairman Jay […]
XRP Supporters’ Petition to the White House Hits 36,000 Signatures
- Michael Lavere
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- 7 Jan 2021
A White House petition has generated more than 36,000 signatures asking the federal government to consider XRP as a currency.
U.S. Treasury’s Brian Brooks: ‘Nobody Is Going to Ban Bitcoin’
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 4 Dec 2020
On Friday (December 4), during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box“, Brian P. Brooks, Acting Comptroller (since May) at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), said that “nobody is going to ban Bitcoin.” Brooks is currently also a member of the Board of Directors of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Between September 2018 and […]
What Biden’s Pick for Treasury Secretary Has Said About Bitcoin and Blockchain
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 29 Nov 2020
This article looks at what Former Federal Reserve Chair Dr. Janet Yellen, the person who is expected to be the next U.S. Treasury Secretary, has said in the past about Bitcoin and blockchain technology. On November 23, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Yellen to become his secretary of […]
U.S.-based Users Given 14 Days to Get Off Binance
- Michael Lavere
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- 25 Nov 2020
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has begun clamping down on US-based clients, giving them fourteen days to transfer their funds away from the platform.
Newly-Elected U.S. Senator Explains on TV Why Bitcoin Is a Good Store of Value
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 15 Nov 2020
On Friday (November 13), Cynthia Lummis, the newly-elected U.S. senator for the state of Wyoming, spoke about Bitcoin on live TV during an interview with ABC News. The 66-year conservative Republican, who was endorsed byPresident Donald Trump, was declared the winner of the U.S. Senate race in Wyoming on November 3, thereby becoming Wyoming’s first […]
Government Could Might Action if Bitcoin Price Goes Above $100K, Says Former Coinbase CTO
- Michael Lavere
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- 9 Nov 2020
Angel investor and former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan thinks the U.S. government will be forced to take action against bitcoin if the price continues to gain against the dollar.
U.S. Stocks May Benefit From a GOP-Controlled Senate, But Why Is Bitcoin Rallying?
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 5 Nov 2020
U.S. stocks did well on Wednesday (November 4), with the Nasdaq Composite closing 3.85% higher. However, Bitcoin seems to be rallying even harder. This article tries to explain why both U.S. stocks and Bitcoin are going up. Although the election results in the U.S. are not quite clear yet and it might be some time […]
European Central Bank Floats Possibility of Decentralized Digital Euro
- Michael Lavere
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- 3 Nov 2020
The European Central Bank (ECB) has asked the public to comment on the development of a digital euro, including the use of decentralization. According to a series of tweets published by ECB President Christine Lagarde, the E.U.’s central bank is looking for feedback on a digital euro. Lagarde said the bank was exploring the possibility […]
Former PBoC Governor: Digital Yuan Will Fight ‘Dollarization’ of Chinese Economy
- Michael Lavere
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- 30 Oct 2020
The former head of the People’s Bank of China said the digital yuan would combat “dollarization” of the country’s economy.
Monero Up 200% Year-to-Date, Hits 2-Year High Amidst Regulatory Concerns
- Michael Lavere
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- 27 Oct 2020
Privacy-focused cryptocurrency Monero is up 200 percent year-to-date after reaching a 2-year price high on October 26.
Ripple CEO Talks About Crypto Regulations
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 23 Oct 2020
During a recent interview at the (virtual) four-day DC Fintech Week 2020 conference (October 19-22, 2020), Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of FinTech firm Ripple talked about Bitcoin, XRP, and how the current regulatory climate in the U.S. affects cryptoassets. The interview with the Ripple CEO was on day one of the conference. (In the video […]
CFTC Commissioner Dan Berkovitz Talks Crypto Regulations, BitMEX Complaint
- Michael Lavere
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- 14 Oct 2020
CFTC Commissioner Dan Berkovitz explained his background working with private clients interested in digital currencies and provided a take on the BitMEX complaint.
‘Crypto Mom’ SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce on Regulatory Challenges Facing DeFi
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 10 Oct 2020
Earlier this week, Hester Peirce, whose renomination as Commissioner at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 6, spoke about regulatory challenges facing decentralized finance (DeFi). Commissioner Peirce’s remarks about DeFi while she was speaking with journalist Laura Shin on day one of the two-day (virtual) LA Blockchain […]
97% of Those Consulted Opposed the FCA’s Ban on Crypto Derivatives and ETNs for Retail Investors
- Francisco Memoria
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- 8 Oct 2020
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), UK’s markets watchdog, banned the sale of crypto derivatives and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) for retail investors earlier this week, but a public consultation process saw 97% of participants oppose the ban. In a 55-page report by the FCA, responses from companies that sell derivatives, cryptocurrency exchanges, trade bodies, individuals, and […]
UK Markets Watchdog Bans Sale of Crypto Derivatives and ETNs to Retail Investors
- Francisco Memoria
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- 6 Oct 2020
The UK’s markets watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has banned the sale of cryptocurrency derivatives and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) to retail investors. In an announcement, the FCA reveals it considers crypto derivatives and ETNs to be “ill-suited for retail consumers due to the harm they pose.” The regulator added that these products “cannot be […]
Cryptocurrency Promoter John McAfee Indicted for Tax Evasion, Arrested in Spain
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 6 Oct 2020
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the indictment that was unveiled yesterday (following McAfee’s arrest) charges him with “tax evasion and willful failure to file tax returns.” The DOJ’s press release says that this indictment (dated 15 June 2020) alleges that for the 2014-2018 period John David McAfee “failed to file tax return” […]
European Central Bank Tells EU to Prepare for Digital Euro
- Michael Lavere
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- 5 Oct 2020
European Central Bank executive board member Fabio Panetta says the EU must begin preparing for the development of a digital Euro to compliment physical cash.
Former Bitfinex Trader Joe007: U.S. SEC Might Take Closer Look at Uniswap ($UNI)
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 3 Oct 2020
On Thursday (October 1), “Joe007”, a former well-known pseudonymous trader on Bitfinex, warned traders that following the recent action by CFTC against BitMEX, it might not be long before the SEC decides to take a closer look at Uniswap. On Thursday, the U.S Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced that it had brought charges against […]
Venezuela’s President Introduces Cryptocurrency Bill to Avoid Economic Sanctions
- Michael Lavere
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- 2 Oct 2020
Venezuela president Nicolas Maduro has introduced a new bill that will explore crypto-assets as an avenue for avoiding economic sanctions.
CFTC Brings Charges Against Owners of Crypto Derivatives Exchange BitMEX
- Siamak Masnavi
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- 1 Oct 2020
On Thursday (October 1), The U.S Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced that it had brought charges against “five entities and three individuals” that own and operate the crypto derivatives exchange BitMEX. CFTC’s press release (“Release Number 8270-20”) said that the agency had filed “a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern […]
Bank of New York Mellon Allegedly Aided OneCoin Ponzi Scheme’s $4 Billion Fraud
- Michael Lavere
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- 28 Sep 2020
Bank of New York Mellon has been accused of playing a role in the $4 billion Ponzi Scheme OneCoin, according to an updated court filing.
Everyone Will Use China’s Digital Currency, Says Bitcoin and Ether Startup Investor
- Michael Lavere
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- 27 Sep 2020
Cryptocurrency pioneer Chandler Guo says “one day everyone in the world” will use China’s state-backed digital yuan.
Russian Authorities Backlist Crypto Exchange Binance’s Website
- Francisco Memoria
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- 25 Sep 2020
Russian authorities have blacklisted the website of major cryptocurrency exchange Binance, although access to it has not been blocked by the country’s telecom regulator Roskomnadzor. In an announcement Binance published on its Russian telegram channel, it reveals Roskomnadzor added the cryptocurrency exchange’s website to the register of platforms disseminating prohibited information, reportedly because of distribution […]
Russia Proposes Jail Time for Undeclared Crypto Wallets
- Michael Lavere
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- 25 Sep 2020
Russia’s Finance Ministry is drafting a new bill that would impose fines and up to three years in prison for crypto-asset investors who fail to properly disclose their holdings.
Venezuela Legalizes Crypto Mining, Forces Miners to Use National Mining Pool
- Francisco Memoria
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- 23 Sep 2020
The Venezuelan government has published a new decree in the Official Gazette legalizing cryptocurrency mining, but with a catch: crypto miners have to use a national mining pool. According to local news website CriptoNoticias, the new decree was authorized by Joselit Ramirez, head of Venezuela’s National Superintendency of Crypto Assets and Related Activities (SUNACRIP). It […]
Bahamas Set to Launch Sand Dollar Digital Currency Next Month: Bloomberg
- Michael Lavere
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- 17 Sep 2020
The Bahamas is set to launch the world’s first sovereign digital currency ahead of major world powers such as China.
India Is Reportedly Planning to Ban Cryptocurrency Trading
- Francisco Memoria
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- 15 Sep 2020
India is reportedly planning on introducing a new law to ban cryptocurrency trading in the country, a move that would be a blow to the rapidly growing cryptocurrency scene in the country. According to Bloomberg, the new law is expected to be discussed shortly by the federal cabinet, before being sent to the country’s parliament. […]
Alleged ETH Pyramid Scheme Forsage Continues to Attract Investors Despite Warnings
- Michael Lavere
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- 13 Sep 2020
Ethereum-based protocol Forsage continues to gain investment despite regulators warning that the project is a Ponzi scheme.
Mastercard Launches Platform for Central Banks to Test Digital Currencies
- Michael Lavere
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- 11 Sep 2020
Financial services giant Mastercard has launched a platform to allow central banks and test firms test digital currencies.
Major Indian Think Tank: Bitcoin ‘Should Be Traded’ Like Stock
- Michael Lavere
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- 8 Sep 2020
Deepak Kapoor, founder of the Begin India Think Tank, says bitcoin should be traded like stocks and given the same legal protections.
Russian Authorities Block Country’s Top Crypto Exchange Aggregator
- Francisco Memoria
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- 27 Aug 2020
Russian authorities have blocked BestChange.ru, a major cryptocurrency exchange aggregator in the country, shortly after lawmaker passed crypto legislation banning cryptocurrency transactions. The aggregator reportedly includes 400 local cryptocurrency websites and included information on exchange rates between different cryptoassets. It was blocked by Russian telecom regulator Roskomnadzor for “mentions of Bitcoin cryptocurrency,” an announcement on […]
Iran Shuts Down 1,100 Illegal Cryptocurrency Mining Farms
- Francisco Memoria
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- 25 Aug 2020
Iran’s Power Generation, Distribution and Transmission Company (Tavanir) has reportedly shut down 1,100 unlicensed cryptocurrency mining farms in the country after being tipped off by whistleblowers. According to a report by the Financial Tribune, the firm is planning to reward whistleblowers with 100 million rials ($480) for cooperating with energy officials in identifying illegal cryptocurrency […]
SEC Shuts Down Blockchain Jobs Platforms, Orders It to Destroy Its ICO Token Holdings
- Francisco Memoria
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- 15 Aug 2020
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced charges against a blockchain-based jobs platform, Boon.Tech, and its chief executive officer, Rajesh Pavithran, over its failure to register their initial coin offering (ICO) token as a security and allegedly misleading investors. According to an announcement made by the agency, Boon.Tech and its CEO raised $5 […]
Grayscale Ethereum Trust Files to Status of Reporting Company With SEC
- Francisco Memoria
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- 7 Aug 2020
Grayscale Investments has voluntarily publicly filed a Registration Statement on Form 10 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its Ethereum Trust (ETHE) to obtain reporting status. If the filing is approved by the SEC, the Ethereum Trust will be the second cryptoasset investment vehicle ever to obtain the status of a reporting […]
Czech National Bank Board Member Criticizes CBDCs as Helicopter Money
- Michael Lavere
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- 24 Jul 2020
A Czech National Bank board member has criticized the use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) for raising more questions than answers and being another version of “helicopter money.”
U.S. Banks Can Now Offer Crypto Custody Services, Says Federal Regulator
- Francisco Memoria
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- 23 Jul 2020
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is letting nationally chartered banks in the U.S. provide custody services for cryptocurrencies, according to a public letter from Senior Deputy Comptroller and Senior Counsel Jonathan Gould.
Coinsquare Accused of Market Manipulation by Canadian Regulator
- Michael Lavere
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- 20 Jul 2020
Toronto-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinsquare has been accused of market manipulation by Canadian regulators after the company allegedly manipulated its trading volume.
Malaysian Regulator Adds Binance to List of Unauthorized Firms
- Francisco Memoria
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- 17 Jul 2020
Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) has added popular cryptocurrency exchange Binance to its list of unauthorized companies, saying the platform is “operating a recognized market without authorization.”
Japan Serious About Issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency: Report
- Michael Lavere
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- 15 Jul 2020
The government and Bank of Japan are seriously considering issuing a central bank digital currency to replace the current yen, including a potential partnership with the U.S. and European countries.
Brazils Securities Watchdog Blocks Binance From Offering Derivatives
- Michael Lavere
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- 7 Jul 2020
Brazil’s Securities and Exchange Commission has ordered Binance to cease offering derivative products in the country after ruling they constituted a securities intermediary.
President Trump Wanted to ‘Go After Bitcoin’ in 2018, John Bolton Reveals
- Michael Lavere
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- 18 Jun 2020
Former national security advisor John Bolton claims in his new book that President Donald Trump wanted to crack down on the trading and selling of crypto-assets in May 2018.
Bank of Canada Reveals Plans for Digital Currency in New Job Posting
- Michael Lavere
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- 17 Jun 2020
The Bank of Canada has revealed its plans for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in a job posting for the protocol’s Project Manager.
Home Seller Sues Buyer Over Attempt to Pay in Worthless Crypto
- Francisco Memoria
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- 6 Jun 2020
Mary Shea, a California-based psychologist looking to sell her home, has sued a potential buyer, Mike Cherwenka, over the latter’s attempt to pay 30% of the property’s value in the form of a “worthless” cryptocurrency called “Troptions.Gold.”
JPMorgan Chase Positively Wades Into Crypto After Years of Hate
- Colin Muller
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- 13 May 2020
JPMorgan Chase & Co, the financial services giant, will begin providing banking services to the two biggest American crypto exchanges: Gemini and Coinbase.
Telegram Pulls Plug on Its TON Blockchain Platform and Gram Tokens
- Francisco Memoria
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- 13 May 2020
Telegram is pulling the plug on its Telegram Open Network (TON) blockchain platform and the Grams token, after years of battling with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
German Court Rebukes 1 Trillion ECB Quantitative Easing Program
- Guest Contributor
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- 6 May 2020
A German court has ruled that the European Central Bank’s (ECB) quantitative-easing program is not backed by European Union treaties and have issued a three-month ultimatum to rectify the controversial measure.
Elon Musk and Roger Ver Say That It Is Time to End the COVID-19 Lockdowns
- Michael Lavere
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- 30 Apr 2020
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Bitcoin.com chairman Roger Ver have both called for an end to the sweeping stay-at-home restrictions.
Crypto Tax Reporting: The Ultimate Guide For Algorithmic Traders
- Guest Contributor
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- 25 Apr 2020
In most countries around the world, the income generated from investing in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin needs to be reported on your taxes. This type of tax reporting is no different from stocks, equities, or other forms of property. However, for cryptocurrency traders, especially high-volume ones, the process can become tedious. In this guide, we break down crypto taxes, how they work, and the step-by-step approach you can take to properly file your taxes.
Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Keeps Promoting Bitcoin Amid Fed’s Bailouts
- Michael Lavere
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- 13 Apr 2020
Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki has continued his criticism of the Fed’s money printing tactics in response to the coronavirus while giving his support for bitcoin and precious metals.
Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Explains His Endorsement of Bitcoin
- Michael Lavere
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- 9 Apr 2020
Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki explained his endorsement of bitcoin, saying the asset was an escape from the traditional financial markets.
Former White House Communications Chief Scaramucci Calls for More Helicopter Money
- Michael Lavere
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- 9 Apr 2020
Former White House Communications chief Anthony Scaramucci says the US will need to provide more “helicopter money” in order to bolster the economy, in addition to the $2 trillion stimulus package already pledged.